Comment by mongusa011 on 26/04/2023 at 14:47 UTC

2 upvotes, 1 direct replies (showing 1)

View submission: Ask Anything Wednesday - Physics, Astronomy, Earth and Planetary Science

What are the red sprites in upper atmosphere?

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Comment by Ragidandy at 26/04/2023 at 21:15 UTC

4 upvotes, 1 direct replies

They are a type of lightning. At different altitudes, the air consists of more or less nitrogen and oxygen at lower pressures the higher you go. These differences change the shape/duration/color of the discharges between areas of positive and negative charge in the atmosphere. Red sprites are just how lightning works under those circumstances in which they are seen. Pecos Hank has an excellent video explaining and showing many examples: https://youtu.be/tGPQ5kzJ9Tg